Alcohol deodorant aerosol equipped with a hollow dispensing head

ABSTRACT

The subject of the invention is a device for dispensing a cosmetic composition, said device comprising a dispensing head ( 1 ) intended to be fitted on a container containing said cosmetic composition to be dispensed,
         (i) the dispensing head comprising:   a body ( 3 ) that is open at its two opposite axial ends,   an engaging part ( 10 ) that is open at its two opposite axial ends and at least partially defines a dispensing orifice ( 12 ), and   (ii) the cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium,   at least one cosmetic active agent, in particular at least one deodorant active agent and/or antiperspirant active agent,   at least one C 1  to C 5  alcohol,   at least one propellant,
 
the concentration of propellant being between 60% and 90% by weight with respect to the total weight of the pressurized composition.

The present invention relates to dispensing heads used for dispensing aproduct contained in a container, in particular for spraying it.

The invention relates more particularly, but not exclusively, to sprayheads intended to be fitted on pressurized containers that containcosmetic deodorant or antiperspirant products.

Numerous spray heads have been proposed, having one or more dispensingorifice(s). Numerous parameters should be taken into consideration whendesigning a spray head.

First of all, the spray generated should have the granulometry suitablefor the application. In this respect, the size of the droplets shouldnot be too small or too large.

Furthermore, the spray generated should be delivered at the flow raterequired and the spray head should not subject the flow of product to anexcessive pressure drop.

The form of the spray should likewise correspond to the intendedapplication and thus make it possible, as the case may be, to cover amore or less extensive area.

Finally, the spray head should be aesthetically pleasing to theconsumer, and its manufacture should be compatible with the requirementsof large-scale production.

Application EP 1 052 023 A1 discloses a spray head comprising adispensing orifice defined between a closure member having afrustoconical part and the body of the head. The closure member isopened by deformation of the frustoconical part, under the pressure ofthe product during dispensing. A conical and hollow spray is formed atleast in the vicinity of the head.

Application WO 2011/065413 discloses various arrangements of spray headsin which a spray orifice is defined between a peripheral part and acentral part which are connected together by bridges of material.

The invention aims to propose a novel dispensing head which is veryparticularly suitable for spraying a cosmetic deodorant orantiperspirant product.

The invention also aims to propose a novel spray head which produces atotally original visual effect compared with that which existscurrently.

The invention also aims to propose a spray head that gives, onapplication, a sensation different from the sensations felt with thecurrent devices.

Moreover, the spraying should be effective for the intended application.

In particular, in the field of deodorants or antiperspirants, sprayheads with which it is possible to precisely reach a given target aredesired.

There is a need to increase the speed of application of a product byspraying without, however, increasing the risks of blockage related tothe drying of the sprayed product.

The invention thus aims to further improve the known devices whilemaking possible the use of manufacturing techniques having a costcompatible with large-scale distribution.

A subject of the invention, according to a first of its aspects, is adevice for dispensing a cosmetic composition, comprising a dispensinghead intended to be fitted on a container containing said cosmeticcomposition to be dispensed,

-   -   (i) the dispensing head comprising:    -   a body that is open at its two opposite axial ends,    -   an engaging part that is open at its two opposite axial ends and        at least partially defines a dispensing orifice, and    -   (ii) the cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically        acceptable medium,    -   at least one cosmetic active agent, in particular at least one        deodorant active agent and/or antiperspirant active agent,    -   at least one C₁ to C₅ alcohol,    -   at least one propellant,        the concentration of propellant being between 60% and 90% by        weight with respect to the total weight of the pressurized        composition.

Dispensing Head

In particular, the dispensing orifice is preferably defined between thebody and the engaging part but may, alternatively, be defined entirelyby the engaging part.

By virtue of the invention, a passage is formed through the dispensinghead and more particularly through the body and the engaging part,allowing a flow of air to be established through the head when theproduct to be dispensed is emitted, and this can prove advantageous whenthe product is emitted in the form of a spray, allowing a current of airto be created through the head in order to accompany the flow of thespray.

In addition, the dispensing head has an appearance which contrastsclearly with the usual aesthetics of known dispensing heads, and whichproves to be particularly attractive to the consumer.

Furthermore, the passage through the head can be produced withdimensions sufficient to allow, if desired, a finger or a lock of hairto be inserted into this passage. This can make it easier to apply aproduct to the finger or the lock of hair.

If desired, the invention can also make it easier to produce adispensing orifice having an annular section between the engaging partand the body, allowing the formation of a hollow spray. Alternatively, aplurality of dispensing orifices are formed between the body and theengaging part, for example in order to dispense the product in the formof a number of sprays or jets. The number of dispensing orifices may inparticular be greater than or equal to 10, better still greater than orequal to 20, even better still greater than or equal to 30. Thedispensing orifices each exhibit for example a cross section greaterthan or equal to 0.003 mm², better still greater than or equal to 0.006mm² and are preferably spaced apart from one another (measurement alonga straight line between the centres of mass of the orifices) by adistance of more than 1 mm.

In another variant, several dispensing orifices are formed entirely inthe engaging part. The orifices may be constructed in such a way thatthe jet exiting from each orifice swirls, especially by virtue of atleast two swirl ducts oriented tangentially around the axis of theorifice. The engaging part may have a U-shaped axial half-section. Thebody may have two concentric mounting skirts between which the engagingpart is fastened. The body may comprise a crown into which the engagingpart is inserted, the crown possibly bearing one or more reliefsdefining, with the engaging part, ducts, especially swirl ducts, forsupplying the dispensing orifice.

The body may define a housing that receives the engaging part, which isthen called a core.

The dispensing orifice(s) may be open at rest. The expression “at rest”should be understood as meaning before the engaging part is exposed tothe pressure of the product to be dispensed. Thus, in this case, thedispensing orifice(s) are already formed and open when the product issent into the head in order to be dispensed. Alternatively, thedispensing orifice is formed at the time the product is dispensed, byvirtue for example of the elasticity of at least a portion of the bodyor of the engaging part, which deforms under the pressure of the productat the time it is dispensed.

By virtue of the invention, in the case of spraying, the spray can beemitted at a relatively high flow rate, if desired, while having a sprayhead which has a relatively simple design and functions reliably. Inparticular, the dispensing orifice may be produced with well-defineddimensions. In addition, the dispensing head may be aestheticallypleasing to the consumer.

The body may have a first surface that flares towards the outside, orconverges towards the outside, and the engaging part may have a secondsurface, opposite the first surface, that diverges towards the outside,or converges towards the outside. The first surface may be conical. Thesecond surface may be conical, with the same angle as the first surfaceor with a greater or smaller angle.

A different angle that results in a narrowing of the space may lead toan acceleration of the jet before it exits, and this may be advantageousin the context of a spray.

There may be one or more than one dispensing orifice and it may have anannular shape or some other shape. The dispensing orifice may have aconstant width in the circumferential direction. The one or moredispensing orifices may be defined between two concentric surfaces ofrevolution, for example in the form of cylinders of revolution.

The dispensing orifice(s) may exhibit axial symmetry, preferablyrotational symmetry, in particular around the dispensing axis. Thedispensing axis is defined by the general direction in which the productis dispensed by the head.

The engaging part is preferably attached, thereby making it, and thebody, easier to manufacture. Alternatively, the engaging part is mouldedin one piece with the body, in particular in the case of the dispensingof a foam, it then being possible for the dispensing orifice to have alarger section than in the case of the spraying of a spray.

The space formed between the body and the engaging part is supplied byat least one supply duct, the section of which is preferably greaterthan that of the dispensing orifice, thereby making it easier to fillthis space before the product emerges through the dispensing orifice.

A product distribution chamber may advantageously be formed, between theengaging part and the body, upstream of the dispensing orifice. This canmake the emission of a homogeneous spray, in particular, easier.

The supply duct for the product may open into this chamber, whichpreferably has an annular shape. Its width, which corresponds to the gapbetween the engaging part and the body, is preferably greater than themaximum width of the passage, via which the distribution chambercommunicates with the dispensing orifice.

At least one of the body and the engaging part, preferably the body, mayhave at least one relief for centring the engaging part in relation tothe body, and preferably at least ten, better still at least twenty, andeven better still at least forty reliefs. These reliefs may extend asfar as the edge of the part in which they are produced so as to generatea multitude of orifices via which jets of product exit, the centringreliefs being oriented in particular parallel to the dispensing axis orobliquely in the same circumferential direction around the axis, andoptionally also being able to define, between one another, sectionalnarrowings that cause the jet of product to be accelerated. This orthese reliefs are preferably located set back from the dispensingorifice when it is desired to generate a spray in the form of a singlejet. The reliefs can be produced on the body, being for example in theform of axial ribs that are distributed regularly around the entiresurface of the body opposite the engaging part.

The centring reliefs may optionally ensure alone that the engaging partis held on the body. Alternatively, the engaging part is fixed to thebody somewhere other than in the region of the centring reliefs, itbeing possible in this case for the centring reliefs to have or not havea function of holding the engaging part on the body.

Preferably, the engaging part is fixed in relation to the body.Alternatively, the engaging part is fixed in an adjustable manner inrelation to the body, in order for example to allow the user to adjustthe width of the dispensing orifice or to close the latter when not inuse, for example by screwing it through a quarter turn, this screwingbeing accompanied by an axial movement of the engaging part in relationto the body.

The engaging part may be flush with the front end of the body so as togenerate a spray with an axis substantially parallel to the axis of theengaging part.

The engaging part may extend axially beyond the front end of the body byan amount between 0 and 1 mm, better still between 0 and 0.5 mm. Thespray may then diverge away from the axis of the engaging part.

The engaging part may be axially set back from the front end of the bodyby an amount between 0 and 1 mm, better still between 0 and 0.5 mm. Thespray may then converge towards the axis of the engaging part.

The invention makes it possible to easily produce, if desired, adispensing orifice having a circular internal contour. The insidediameter of the passage formed through the head is for example greaterthan or equal to 10 mm, better still greater than or equal to 15 mm, 20mm or 30 mm. When the passage does not have a circular section, the“inside diameter” denotes the diameter of the largest circle inscribedin this passage.

The head may have at least two housings and two engaging parts that aredisposed in the housings and each define with the body, at rest, adispensing orifice according to the invention. The dispensing axes maythen be parallel or not parallel, intersecting or not intersecting, forexample converging towards one another.

The dispensing orifice may have, in axial half-section, an axis thatconverges or diverges in relation to the spraying direction.

A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects,is a container provided with a dispensing head according to theinvention.

The invention also relates to a device for dispensing a cosmeticcomposition, said device comprising a dispensing head intended to befitted on a container containing said cosmetic composition to bedispensed,

-   the dispensing head comprising:    -   a body (3),    -   an engaging part (10), in particular a core (10), defining with        the body (3), at rest, a dispensing orifice (12) having an        annular section,    -   and-   the cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable    medium,    -   at least one cosmetic active agent, in particular a deodorant        active agent and/or antiperspirant active agent,    -   at least one C₁ to C₅ alcohol,    -   at least one propellant,        the concentration of propellant being between 60% and 90% by        weight with respect to the total weight of the pressurized        composition.

The invention also relates to a device for dispensing a cosmeticcomposition, said device comprising a dispensing head intended to befitted on a container comprising a valve rod or pump rod, the dispensinghead comprising:

-   -   a body provided with an end piece for connecting to the valve        rod or pump rod,    -   a part attached to the body, at least partially defining a        dispensing orifice having in particular an annular section at        rest or several dispensing orifices distributed around a        dispensing axis (Z),

the head not being a through-head along the dispensing axis (Z),

-   -   a) the body being closed along the dispensing axis (Z) and said        part being in particular of annular shape, or    -   b) the body having a through-opening along the dispensing        axis (Z) and said part closing this opening,        the cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically        acceptable medium,    -   at least one cosmetic active agent, in particular a deodorant        active agent and/or antiperspirant active agent,    -   at least one C₁ to C₅ alcohol,    -   at least one propellant,        the concentration of propellant being between 60% and 90% by        weight with respect to the total weight of the pressurized        composition.

Features of the Orifices:

-   Their cross sections are advantageously a disc.-   They are ideally cylindrical in shape for ease of use, or    approximately cylindrical in shape.-   The depth of the orifice is advantageously between 0.5 and 2 mm, a    great length makes it possible to create an individual spray with a    small cone so as to create a tubular effect with a large number of    orifices, a small length allows a very wide individual spray and    expands even further the area of application of the multi-orifice    diffuser.-   The type of valve selected is advantageously provided with a nozzle    comprising one 0.5 mm orifice with an internal restriction of 0.8 mm    and an additional gas intake of 0.4 mm.-   The sum of the cross sections of the orifices in the ring has been    chosen to be close to the area of the orifice in the nozzle. For    example, for an orifice having a diameter of 0.5 mm, a section of    0.196 mm² is chosen. Very small orifice sections are obtained for 40    holes (around 0.005 mm²) and for 20 holes (around 0.01 mm²).

With an unchanged valve, several options are available for producing thedevice in accordance with the type of spraying desired.

-   gentle mist: 80 orifices of 0.005 mm²-   small flow rate: 20 orifices of 0.005 mm²-   powerful effect: 20 orifices of 0.01 mm²-   powerful effect: 40 orifices of 0.01 mm²-   very powerful effect: 40 or 80 orifices of 0.01 mm² with larger    additional gas intake (diameter between 0.45 mm and 0.50 mm).

This makes it possible to envisage the range of possibilities both interms of the number of orifices and in terms of the sections orstrengths of the sprays. Similarly, the level of gas can be reevaluateddepending on the needs. In the case of a flow rate managed by thediffuser, the nozzle of the valve may be larger.

Distribution of the Orifices: These may be

-   -   Equidistant around the periphery of the ring    -   Mutually equidistant over a portion of the ring    -   Distributed in equidistant groups (e.g. X equidistant portions        (around the periphery or over a portion of the ring) made up of        several equidistant orifices).        It is possible to create a ring fully supporting the diffuser        orifices which may be cylindrical. In this configuration, it is        possible to produce mini swirl ducts with a different design        from the internal and external rings so as to allow the creation        of a ring intended to create the “centre post” function at the        rear.

Cosmetic Composition

The term “antiperspirant active agent” means any substance which, byitself, has the effect of reducing or limiting the flow of sweat.

The term “composition” is understood to mean the non-pressurizedcomposition.

The term “deodorant active agent” means any substance that is capable ofmasking, absorbing, improving and/or reducing the unpleasant odourresulting from the decomposition of human sweat by bacteria.

The term “cosmetically acceptable” means compatible with the skin and/orits integuments, which has a pleasant colour, odour and feel and whichdoes not give rise to any unacceptable discomfort liable to put theconsumer off using this composition.

Deodorant Active Agents

The cosmetic compositions according to the invention may contain one ormore deodorant active agents, for instance:

bacteriostatic agents or bactericidal agents such as2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenyl ether (triclosan),2,4-dichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether,3′,4′,5′-trichloro-salicylanilide,1-(3′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-3-(4′-chlorophenyl)urea (triclocarban) or3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,5,10-trienol (Farnesol); quaternary ammoniumsalts, for instance cetyltrimethylammonium salts, cetylpyridinium salts;chlorhexidine and salts; diglyceryl monocaprate, diglyceryl monolaurateor glyceryl monolaurate; polyhexamethylene biguanide salts;

zinc salts such as zinc salicylate, zinc phenolsulfonate, zincpyrrolidone-carboxylate (more commonly known as zinc pidolate), zincsulfate, zinc chloride, zinc lactate, zinc gluconate, zinc ricinoleate,zinc glycinate, zinc carbonate, zinc citrate, zinc chloride, zinclaurate, zinc oleate, zinc orthophosphate, zinc stearate, zinc tartrate,zinc lactate or zinc acetate, or mixtures thereof;

odour absorbers such as zeolites, cyclodextrins, metal oxide silicatessuch as those described in application US2005/063928; metal oxideparticles modified with a transition metal, as described in applicationsUS2005/084464 and US2005/084474, aluminosilicates such as thosedescribed in application EP1658863, chitosan-based particles such asthose described in patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,916,465;

substances that block the enzymatic reactions responsible for theformation of odorous compounds, such as arylsulfatase, 5-lipoxygenase,aminocylase or β-glucuronidase inhibitors;

and mixtures thereof.

The deodorant active agents can be present in the composition accordingto the invention in a proportion of from 0.01 to 10% by weight andpreferably in a proportion of from 0.1 to 5% by weight relative to thetotal weight of the composition.

Antiperspirant Active Agents

The antiperspirant active agents are preferably chosen from aluminiumand/or zirconium salts; complexes of zirconium hydroxychloride and ofaluminium hydroxychloride with an amino acid, such as those described inpatent U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,068, commonly known as “ZAG complexes”. Suchcomplexes are generally known under the name ZAG (when the amino acid isglycine). ZAG complexes ordinarily have an Al/Zr quotient ranging fromabout 1.67 to 12.5 and a metal/Cl quotient ranging from about 0.73 to1.93. Among these products, mention may be made of aluminium zirconiumoctachlorohydrex GLY, aluminium zirconium pentachlorohydrex GLY,aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrate GLY and aluminium zirconiumtrichlorohydrate GLY.

Among the aluminium salts that may be mentioned are aluminiumchlorohydrate, aluminium chlorohydrex, aluminium chlorohydrex PEG,aluminium chlorohydrex PG, aluminium dichlorohydrate, aluminiumdichlorohydrex PEG, aluminium dichlorohydrex PG, aluminiumsesquichlorohydrate, aluminium sesquichlorohydrex PEG, aluminiumsesquichlorohydrex PG, alum salts, aluminium sulfate, aluminiumzirconium octachlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium pentachlorohydrate,aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrate, aluminium zirconiumtrichlorohydrate and more particularly the aluminium hydroxychloridesold by the company Reheis under the name Reach 301 or by the companyGuilini Chemie under the name Aloxicoll PF 40. Aluminium zirconium saltsare, for example, the salt sold by the company Reheis under the nameReach AZP-908-SUF.

Aluminium chlorohydrate in activated or inactivated form will be usedmore particularly.

The antiperspirant active agents may be present in the compositionaccording to the invention in a proportion of from 0.001 to 30% byweight and preferably in a proportion of from 0.5 to 25% by weightrelative to the total weight of the composition.

The composition according to the invention preferably has a pH rangingfrom 3 to 9, depending on the support chosen.

Alcohol

The C₁-C₅ alcohol(s) present in the compositions of the invention can beadvantageously chosen from methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or mixturesthereof. Ethanol will be chosen more particularly. They are preferablypresent in concentrations greater than 10% by weight and more preferablyranging from 15 to 96% by weight with respect to the total weight of thecomposition, and even more preferably ranging from 35 to 65% by weightwith respect to the total weight of the composition. In a particularlyadvantageous manner, the C₁-C₅ alcohol(s) are present at a concentrationof between 38% and 55% by weight with respect to the total weight of thenon-pressurized composition.

Propellant

The propellants are advantageously chosen from dimethyl ether (DME),volatile hydrocarbons such as n-butane, propane, isobutane, and mixturesthereof, optionally with at least one chlorinated and/or fluorinatedhydrocarbon. Among the latter, mention may be made of the compounds soldby the company DuPont de Nemours under the names Freon® and Dymel®, andin particular monofluorotrichloromethane, difluoro-dichloromethane,tetrafluorodichloroethane and 1,1-difluoroethane, sold especially underthe trade name Dymel 152 A by the company DuPont. Carbon dioxide,nitrous oxide, nitrogen or compressed air may also be used aspropellant.

The composition containing the deodorant active agent(s) and thepropellant(s) may be in the same compartment or in differentcompartments in the container.

According to the invention, the concentration of propellant preferablyranges between 70% and 87% by weight relative to the total weight of thepressurized composition. More preferably, the concentration ofpropellant ranges from 73% to 85% by weight relative to the total weightof the pressurized composition.

The term “pressurized composition” is understood to mean the totalfluid+gas composition contained in the container.

Additives

The composition may advantageously comprise water. In this case, thequantity of water is preferably between 2 and 85% by weight and morepreferably between 2 and 30% by weight with respect to the total weightof the composition.

The composition may also comprise: diols or polyols, such as ethyleneglycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, hexylene glycol,diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 2-ethoxyethanol, diethyleneglycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, andsorbitol. Propylene glycol and glycerol will be used more particularly.

The cosmetic compositions according to the invention may also comprisecosmetic adjuvants chosen from waxes, softeners, antioxidants,opacifiers, stabilizers, moisturizers, vitamins, fragrances,bactericides, preserving agents, polymers, thickeners or any otheringredient usually used in cosmetics for this type of application.

Advantageously, the cosmetic composition is free of solid particles andfillers.

Even more advantageously, the cosmetic composition is free of polymer.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising theemployment of the device described above.

Needless to say, a person skilled in the art will take care to choosethis or these optional additional compounds such that the advantageousproperties intrinsically associated with the cosmetic compositionaccording to the invention are not, or are not substantially, adverselyaffected by the envisaged addition(s).

The container may be a pressurized container, provided for example witha hollow valve rod inserted into a housing in the head that is suitablefor holding said rod.

The invention may be better understood from reading the followingdetailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereofand from examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of adispensing head produced in accordance with the invention, before theengaging part is fitted on the body of the head,

FIG. 2 shows the dispensing head after the engaging part has been fittedin the body,

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 in partial section,

FIGS. 4A to 4F illustrate various arrangements, among others, of theengaging part and the body,

FIG. 5 illustrates the possibility of producing the dispensing head withtwo dispensing orifices according to the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a dispensing head having concentricdispensing orifices,

FIG. 7 is an axial section through a variant embodiment of the engagingpart,

FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial front views of different examples ofconfigurations of the engaging part from FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a partial axial section through a variant embodiment of thedispensing orifice,

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front views along X of different examples ofconfigurations according to FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a variant embodiment of the head,

FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate various examples of arrangements of thereliefs on the body,

FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate various examples of configurations of theengaging part with respect to the body,

FIG. 14 is a partial axial section through a variant embodiment of thedispensing orifice,

FIG. 15 is a section along XV in FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of the body according to FIG. 14, and

FIG. 17 is a cutaway perspective view of an example of a dispensing headaccording to the configuration in FIG. 14.

In the drawing, the actual respective proportions of the variousconstituent elements have not always been respected, for the sake ofclarity.

The dispensing head 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is intended to be fitted ona container (not shown) provided with a hollow valve rod or hollow pumprod, through which the product to be dispensed that is contained in thecontainer is conveyed towards the head 1.

The container may in particular be a pressurized container of theaerosol can type, containing a propellant gas such as compressed air,for example, or a liquefied gas.

The container may be provided with a valve and the valve may be openedfor example by pressing the hollow rod or alternatively by tilting thelatter. When the container is provided with a pump, the pump may beactuated for example by pressing the hollow rod along its longitudinalaxis.

The head 1 comprises a body 3 which may be produced in an integralmanner by moulding a single part or may comprise a plurality of elementsproduced separately and joined together.

The dispensing head 1 may comprise, as can be seen in FIG. 2, a housing6 intended to engage with the hollow rod in order to allow the productdelivered through the latter to reach a supply duct 7 which opens into ahousing 8 in the body 3. The housing 6 has a size adapted to the outsidediameter of the rod, so as to obtain a sealed fit of the rod in thehousing 6, in order that the product delivered through the rod passesentirely into the supply duct 7. The latter is for example coaxial withthe rod of the container but could be oriented in some other way andhave for example a plurality of differently oriented portions.

An engaging part 10, called core in the following text when it is insidethe body, is fixed in the housing 8 and defines for example with thebody 3 a dispensing orifice 12 having an annular section, asillustrated.

The expression “annular section” should be understood within the meaningof the present invention as meaning any section that follows a closedcontour, whether this contour is circular, elliptical, polygonal or someother shape.

Passing axially through the core 10 is an opening 90, the insidediameter D of which may be relatively large, for example greater than orequal to 10 mm, better still 15, 20 or 30 mm.

The opening 90 helps to give the head a particularly aestheticappearance. In addition, the opening 90 can allow air to flow throughthe head under the entrainment effect of a spray emitted through thedispensing orifice 12. This can help to increase the range of the sprayand can increase the freshness effect provided thereby, if need be.

The opening 90 may also allow a finger or a lock of hair to be insertedthrough the head, and this can make it possible to apply a product in asingle movement over the entire circumference of the element insertedthrough the head. This can be an advantage for applying for example anantiseptic or care product to a finger or for treating a lock of hair.

The dispensing axis Z may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X ofthe container on which the head is fitted, as illustrated.

The head 1 comprises a base 92 which defines a surface 4 which the usercan press in order to bring about dispensing.

The bottom of the base 92 can be extended by an enclosing skirt 93 whichcovers the upper part of the container.

The housing 8 which receives the core 10 is defined by a crown 94 ofaxis Z, the lower side of which is joined to the base 92. The supplyduct 7 passes through the base 92 and leads into the housing 8 at adistance from the axial ends, along the axis Z, of the crown 94, beingpreferably closer to the rear end 94 a than to the front end 94 b, ascan be seen in FIG. 2.

The body 3 may have, as illustrated, a shoulder 95 close to the rear end94 a, against which the core 10 can come into axial abutment, if needbe, at the end of its fitting.

The core 10 and the housing 8 may have annular surfaces 96 and 97, insealed contact, in order to close the space formed between the core 10and the body 3 at the rear of the supply duct 7.

Preferably, the circumferential width l of the dispensing orifice 12,around the spraying direction Z, is constant. If this width l varies,for example so as to take into account the possibly non-uniform pressuredrop experienced by the flow of product upstream of the dispensingorifice 12, this does not depart from the scope of the presentinvention. This non-uniform pressure drop results for example from thegeometry of the space between the core and the body, in particular thepresence of angles or intersections. By varying the width l, it ispossible to ensure that the product can emerge more easily at the pointwhere this pressure drop is greatest, if a spray which is as homogeneousas possible is desired.

The width l of the dispensing orifice is for example between 0.01 and 2mm.

The core 10 can be fixed to the body 3 in various ways. In the exampleillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the core 10 is retained on the body 3 byfriction.

In the example illustrated, the core 10 is produced separately from thebody 3 and is attached to the latter. The core 10 can be produced fromthe same thermoplastic material as the body 3 or alternatively from adifferent thermoplastic material. It is also possible to use a metalmaterial to produce the core 10.

Axial ribs 38 are formed on the internal circumference of the housing 8,as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1 and 3, in order to centre thecore 10 in the housing 8. The centring reliefs 38 may be, as illustratedin FIGS. 12A to 12C, parallel or oblique in the circumferentialdirection with respect to the axis Z, or curved. Each relief 38 mayhave, when seen in a top view, a contour that is polygonal, inparticular rectangular or trapezoidal, or that has a shape that isflared in the direction of the dispensing edge. Two centring reliefs 38may define, between one another, a narrowing 39 in the vicinity of thedispensing orifice so as to accelerate the fluid via the Venturi effect.The number of centring reliefs 38 is preferably at least 10, betterstill 20, even better still 40.

The space 22 formed between the core 10 and the body 3 may have theconfiguration illustrated schematically in FIG. 4A, and open onto thedispensing orifice 12 by way of an annular terminal portion 22 c formedbetween two surfaces 3 a and 10 a which are in the form of cylinders ofrevolution about the axis Z.

The terminal wall 22 c is attached to a proximal portion 22 a by way ofan inclined intermediate portion 22 b formed between opposite surfaces 3b and 10 b.

The centring reliefs 38 extend in the proximal portion 22 a. The latteris supplied with product via the distribution chamber 22 d.

When the user actuates the dispensing head 1, the product passes throughthe supply duct 7 into the space 22 between the core 10 and the body 3and can be delivered in the form of a spray through the dispensingorifice 12.

In the example in FIGS. 1 to 3, the spray is continuous angularly aroundthe dispensing axis on account of the absence of contact between thecore 10 and the body 3 in the region of the dispensing orifice 12.Specifically, the bearing region or regions between the core 10 and thebody 3 are for example located, as illustrated, set back from thedispensing orifice 12 by a distance (measured along the dispensing axisZ) of at least 0.5 mm.

The spray may be discontinuous angularly around the dispensing axis onaccount of the presence, in particular at the reliefs 38, of contactbetween the core 10 and the body 3 where the product emerges.

Preferably, the cross section of the supply duct 7 is greater than thesection of the dispensing orifice 12 so as to allow the space locatedupstream of the dispensing orifice to be filled rapidly with theproduct, this being able to help to form a homogeneous spray right fromthe start of spraying.

The distribution chamber 22 d formed upstream of the space 22 a in whichthe centring reliefs 38 extend receives the product delivered throughthe supply duct 7.

The width ω of the distribution chamber 22 d is greater than that l ofthe terminal portion 22 c which opens onto the dispensing orifice 12.

The distribution chamber 22 d improves the distribution of the productbefore the latter reaches the narrower portions of the passage throughwhich the product is evacuated.

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate different other examples of possibleconfigurations for the space 22 formed between the core 10 and the body3 for the product to flow to the dispensing orifice.

In the example in FIG. 4B, the space 22 formed between the core and thebody comprises a proximal portion 22 a in which the reliefs 38 forcentring the core 10 in relation to the body 3 extend, extended by anintermediate portion 22 b which forms an angle with the sprayingdirection Z, for example a re-entrant angle. This intermediate portion22 b can be attached to a terminal portion 22 c, which opens onto thedispensing orifice 12, this terminal portion being defined for example,as illustrated, between two surfaces 3 a and 10 a, in the form ofcylinders of revolution, parallel to the dispensing direction Z. Thevariant in FIG. 4B does not have a distribution chamber.

In the variant in FIG. 4C, the terminal portion 22 c communicatesdirectly with that portion 22 a in which the centring reliefs 38 extend.The terminal portion 22 c forms, for example, an angle with thedispensing direction Z. Thus, in axial half-section, the axis Z₁ of theorifice 12 is for example convergent, as illustrated.

In the variant in FIG. 4D, the engaging part 10 is outside the body 3.The engaging part 10 is fixed to the body 3 so as to form with thelatter the distribution chamber 22 d, facing the supply duct 7. Theportions 22 a, 22 b and 22 c allow the product to be conveyed to thedispensing orifice 12.

The supply duct 7 opens for example into the distribution chamber 22 dvia a portion oriented parallel to the dispensing axis Z.

Centring reliefs 38 are produced for example on the body 3. The engagingpart 10 can be produced, as illustrated, with an annular lip 39 whichpartially delimits the distribution chamber 22 d and forms a narrowing47 of the section between the chamber 22 d and the portion 22 a.

FIG. 4E illustrates the possibility of having an angle which isdivergent between the axis Z₂, in axial half-section, of the orifice 12and the dispensing axis.

In the variant in FIG. 4F, the possibility of having no angle betweenthe dispensing axis and the axis Z of the engaging part 10 isillustrated. The supply duct 7 opens for example onto a distributionchamber 22 d. The product is conveyed towards the dispensing orifice 12via ducts 22 comprising the reliefs 38. The reliefs 38 extend as far asthe edge of the dispensing orifice 12 and define a plurality of orificesallowing the product to be delivered in the form of a plurality of jets.

The invention is not limited to a dispensing head comprising only onedispensing orifice 12 produced in accordance with the invention.

By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates a dispensing head 1 whichcomprises two dispensing orifices 12.

When there are a plurality of dispensing orifices, these may bedistributed in multiple ways on the dispensing head. For example, thespraying axes are parallel, or form an angle, in that, for example, theyintersect.

FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B illustrate the possibility for the dispensing head tohave a plurality of dispensing orifices 12 formed entirely in the core10 in order to dispense the product in the form of a plurality of jetsfor example. The dispensing orifices 12 may have many shapes whenobserved along their transverse axis, especially being circular ortriangular, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The dispensing orifices12 may be drilled into the core 10, for example by laser drilling.

The core 10 may have a U-shaped axial half-section, as illustrated inFIG. 7. The body 3 may comprise two concentric mounting skirts 41 whichdefine between them a space for mounting the core 10, and may comprise,at its centre, a crown 43 serving to support the engaging part 10. Theskirts 41 define, with the crown 43, two annular ducts 45 into which thearms of the U fit. The crown 43 may have, for each orifice 12, two ducts22 for supplying liquid to this orifice 12.

During mounting, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 17, the core 10 may bearagainst the protrusion 43, the end face 48 of the crown 43 being incontact with the internal face 11 of the core 10. The arms of the U ofthe core 10 are fixed in the ducts 45, the internal face 46 of themounting skirts 41 being in contact with the face 13 of the core 10. Theinternal faces 14 of the arms of the U and the lateral surfaces 49 ofthe crown 43 may define, between one another, the ducts 22 for supplyingliquid to the dispensing orifice 12. The crown 43 may have, especiallyin the form of impressions, on its outer face 48, supply ducts 23allowing the liquid to pass from the supply ducts 22 to the dispensingorifice 12.

The supply ducts 22 open, upstream of the dispensing orifices 12, ontothe supply ducts 23, which lead to the dispensing orifice 12. The supplyducts 23 generate, via their orientation relative to the dispensingorifice, a swirling flow at the outlet of the dispensing orifice 12.This configuration is more particularly useful in the case of anon-liquefied carrier gas.

In one variant, the supply ducts 22 may take the form of impressions onthe lateral surface 49 of the body and/or on the internal faces 14 ofthe core 10.

In one variant (not shown), the core 10 possesses, especially in theform of impressions on its internal face 11, supply ducts 23, the endface 48 of the crown 43 being able to be smooth.

In one variant, the crown 43 is not circumferentially continuous anddefines protrusions. The protrusions are placed upstream of thedispensing orifices 12 and may possess, upstream of the dispensingorifices 12, supply ducts 22 and 23 such as described above.

In the variant in FIGS. 4F, 9 and 10, the dispensing orifices 12 areformed between the core 10 and the body 3, being for example distributedall around the spraying axis Z. The core 10 or the body 3 may havecentring reliefs 38 that circumferentially bound the dispensing orifices12. The centring reliefs 38 may, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C,extend as far as the edge of the core 10 over its entire periphery anddefine, between one another, dispensing orifices 12. The number ofdispensing orifices 12 is preferably at least 10, better still 20, evenbetter still 40. The cross section of a dispensing orifice 12 is forexample greater than 0.003 mm². The dispensing orifices 12 arepreferably spaced apart by a space of at least 1 mm, which is the sameas the pitch p between the centring reliefs. As illustrated in FIGS. 10Aand 10B, the dispensing orifices 12 can have a polygonal cross section,in particular a triangular cross section.

The core 10 may, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, extend set-back relative tothe body by an amount between 0 and 1 mm, better still between 0 and 0.5mm. The body 3 protrudes into the dispensing orifice and may generate aconvergent spray.

The core 10 may, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, be flush with the body 3.The spray can then be straight.

The core 10 may extend, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, forwards relative tothe body 3 by an amount between 0 and 1 mm, better still between 0 and0.5 mm. The spray can then be divergent.

If an additional dispensing orifice is provided, for example byattaching inside the core 10 a second core 50 which defines with thefirst core 10 a second dispensing orifice 51 which is coaxial with thefirst dispensing orifice, as illustrated in FIG. 6, this does not departfrom the scope of the present invention. A passage 90 continues to beformed through the dispensing head.

The dispensing orifice may be supplied with more than one product.

The dispensing head may be supplied with two products which aredispensed through separate dispensing orifices.

It is possible for the axis Z not to be perpendicular to the axis of therod of the container on which the head is fitted, as illustrated in FIG.11. In this example, the axis Z is oriented upwards when the containeris vertical with the dispensing head at the top.

The supply duct 7 can be oriented substantially parallel to thedispensing axis Z, at least in the case of the portion which opens outnext to the engaging part 10. The latter may be produced with an annularlip 39 which defines a narrowing of the section 47.

The configuration may be similar to that in FIG. 4D apart from the factthat the engaging part 10 is outside the body 3 in the example in FIG.4D and inside it in the example in FIG. 11.

The dispensing head may be arranged so as to allow a protective cap tobe fitted and to comprise, if need be, an on/off system that makes itpossible to prevent the actuation of the device when the dispensing headis in a certain position with respect to the container or when a lockingelement of the dispensing head is in a certain position in relation tothe latter.

In variants which are not illustrated, the dispensing orifice is formedbetween a body and an engaging part, the body being radially on theinside with respect to the engaging part, the supply duct for theproduct passing through the body. All of the features described withreference to the figures can be found in variants in which the body isradially on the inside with respect to the engaging part.

The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymouswith “comprising at least one”.

EXAMPLE

i) Device

-   A device 1 and a device 2 are prepared. These devices are identical    in all ways. They differ only in their concentration of propellant.-   The devices 1 and 2 are equipped with the spray head shown in FIG.    1.

ii) Chemical Composition

-   The fluid contained in the deodorant Ushuaia orchidée® Lascad is    packaged in two devices according to the invention.-   Isobutane is used as propellant gas.

Device 1:

Concentration of propellant Concentration of fluid 55% by weight withrespect 45% by weight with respect to the total weight of the to thetotal weight of the pressurized composition pressurized composition

Device 2:

Concentration of propellant Concentration of fluid 75% by weight withrespect 25% by weight with respect to the total weight of the to thetotal weight of the pressurized composition pressurized composition

iii) Evaluation of devices 1 and 2

-   -   a) Evaluation of the quality of the spray:

Device number 20 holes 40 holes Device 1 −− +++++++ Device 2+++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ −−: too wet, runs over the head ofthe diffuser, accumulation of formulation on the head of the diffuser,disruption of diffusion +++++++++++++++++: Very light mist, very goodappearance +++++++: Light mist, good appearance

-   -   b) Conclusion from the above table

-   Device 2 gives better results than device 1, for 20 and 30 holes.

-   With a level of propellant of 75%, a light mist and a very good    appearance are obtained for 20 and 40 holes.

-   By contrast, with a level of propellant of 55%, the spray is too wet    for 20 holes. For 40 holes, the appearance is good.

The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymouswith “comprising at least one”.

1.-10. (canceled)
 11. A device for dispensing a cosmetic composition,said device comprising: a dispensing head fitted on a containercontaining said cosmetic composition to be dispensed; wherein thedispensing head comprises: a body that is open at two opposite axialends; an engaging part that is open at two opposite axial ends and atleast partially defines a dispensing orifice; and wherein the cosmeticcomposition comprises, in a cosmetically acceptable medium: at least onecosmetic active agent; at least one C₁ to C₅ alcohol; and at least onepropellant; wherein the concentration of propellant ranges from about60% to about 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of thepressurized composition.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein thedispensing orifice is annular and has a constant width in thecircumferential direction.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein thedispensing orifice exhibits axial symmetry.
 14. The device of claim 11,wherein the engaging part at least partially defines a plurality ofdispensing orifices.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the number ofdispensing orifices is greater than or equal to
 10. 16. The device ofclaim 14, wherein the dispensing orifices each have a cross sectiongreater than or equal to about 0.003 mm².
 17. The device of claim 11,wherein the at least one C₁ to C₅ alcohol is present in an amountranging from about 38% to about 55% by weight, with respect to the totalweight of the non-pressurized composition.
 18. The device of claim 11,wherein the cosmetic composition is substantially free of solidparticles and fillers.
 19. The device of claim 11, wherein the cosmeticcomposition is substantially free of polymer.
 20. A process for thedispensing of a cosmetic composition comprising: dispensing a cosmeticcomposition from a dispensing device, said device comprising: adispensing head fitted on a container comprising a cosmetic compositionto be dispensed; wherein the dispensing head comprises: a body that isopen at two opposite axial ends; an engaging part that is open at twoopposite axial ends and at least partially defines a dispensing orifice;and wherein the cosmetic composition comprises, in a cosmeticallyacceptable medium: at least one cosmetic active agent; at least one C₁to C₅ alcohol; at least one propellant; wherein the concentration ofpropellant ranges from about 60% to about 90% by weight with respect tothe total weight of the pressurized composition.